When I moved from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, California, in 2017, I was immediately drawn by the slower pace of life, mountain views, and near-constant sunshine.
Since then, I've hosted more friends and family members than I can count, and I've noticed the same few things catch first-timers off guard every time.
Here are some of the mistakes I tell visitors to avoid making during their trip to Palm Springs.
Sleeping in — especially if you plan on spending time outside — is a big no-no.
When I first moved here, I had no idea it could hit 90 degrees Fahrenheit by 9 a.m. during the hotter parts of the year. This took some adjusting to, since I wasn't much of a morning person before settling in the desert.
Last October, a friend visiting from the East Coast woke up at 9 a.m. and wanted to go for a hike. I told him it was already too late and suggested we leave earlier the next morning, since the heat would creep up fast once we got on the trail.
That's why I always recommend planning your hikes, walks, and sightseeing for early morning, then saving the afternoon for the pool — or somewhere with air conditioning.
Some people pack for the beach instead of the desert.
Friends visiting from out of state get excited about coming to California, but they don't always realize Palm Springs has little in common with the coast, weather-wise.
When visiting Palm Springs, I always recommend bringing breathable tees, tanks, and shorts for during the day. Plus, depending on the season, it's good to have layers ready for nighttime activities, since desert temperatures can fall after sunset.
Layers can be especially useful if you're visiting parts of nearby Joshua Tree National Park, where conditions can vary significantly by location and elevation.
Planning to do too much in one day isn't a good idea.
In my opinion, some of the best parts of a Palm Springs getaway aren't attractions at all. Instead, they're the moments spent relaxing by the pool, taking in the mountain views, and soaking up the desert scenery.
That's why I always tell travelers that overpacking their itinerary is a mistake.
When I have visitors, I like to keep mornings to one activity, like a hike or a stroll through the nearby Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Once it heats up, we head home to the pool for an afternoon of catching up and sipping something cold under the palm trees.
By evening, we might head back out, visiting a local staple like the Thursday-night Palm Springs VillageFest, a weekly street fair on Palm Canyon Drive with food vendors, artists, and live music.
No matter what you have planned, it's important to resist the urge to fill every hour of your time. After all, the slower pace is part of what makes a Palm Springs vacation feel so special.
Many visitors assume all of Palm Springs is walkable.
Shortly after my move, my mom visited and couldn't get over how spread out everything is here. I'm lucky there's a grocery store across the street from my house, but that's not the norm.
Although downtown has restaurants within walking distance, the surrounding neighborhoods are more difficult to navigate without a car.
That's why I always recommend renting a car when visiting Palm Springs. Plus, it allows you to see far more of the area than you could on foot.
Thinking Palm Springs is just a place for retirees and golfers.
When I told my best friend I was moving to Palm Springs, she didn't get the appeal. She simply saw it as a hub for golfers in the middle of the desert.
In reality, though, Palm Springs is for more than just golfers and retirees. For example, I think the city is one of the best places in the country to see mid-century modern architecture up close.
Flat rooflines, glass walls, and indoor-outdoor living spaces are everywhere here, and you don't need a formal tour to see them. Just walk or drive around.
The Indian Canyons neighborhood is known for its mid-century modern homes and colorful doors, including the frequently photographed house commonly known as "That Pink Door," a favorite stop for content creators and visitors alike.
Plus, even though Palm Springs isn't as lively as the major cities in California, there are plenty of low-key activities to do.
I like to walk through the Palm Springs Art Museum — which offers free admission every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m — and grab a bite at Lulu California Bistro or Bar Issi, which is located inside the Thompson Hotel.
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Sharon Wu is a versatile writer with over a decade of experience covering lifestyle, personal finance, travel, and more. She holds a B.A. in Communication from UC San Diego, and her work has appeared in USA TODAY, CBS News, and ConsumerAffairs, among other outlets. When she’s not writing, she’s probably planning her next road trip with her pugs and fiancé or hanging out poolside.
